The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks square off in a matchup between the number 1 and 8 seeds in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers come into this game having won their last 2 games in the regular season against Oklahoma City and Orlando to seal the number 1 seed spot. Indiana did have their struggles throughout the season with several players being somewhat outspoken about the number of shots they were getting during their bad stretch which saw the Pacers go 10-13. In my view, I believe the Pacers will be raring to go for the Playoffs as this team is motivated to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals after taking the Heat 7 games in 2013.
When All Star F Al Horford was diagnosed with a season ending injury, Atlanta faded fast and they went 1-14 from early February to early March. The Hawks did manage to solve their issues out and went on a 12-9 run to pip the New York Knicks for the number 8 seed to make it into the Playoffs.
The Pacers beat the Hawks 4-2 in last year’s Playoffs. These clubs split four regular-season meetings; Atlanta won the most recent matchup in blowout fashion at Indiana on the 6th April 2014. Atlanta held Indiana to its lowest first-half scoring output (23 Points) in franchise history. The Hawks went onto win the game 107-88 as eight-point underdogs.
As a situational handicapper, I really see value on the home team in Game 1 of this series. The Pacers started to move the ball very well in their last 2 games of the season and looked to be focused on getting everyone on the court involved. Indiana’s players will also not forget the drubbing they received by this Hawks team 2 weeks ago.
Indiana Pacers - 7.5
GL Everyone, Enjoy your Saturday!
JY